SAW Flux Types & Wire Selection

Question 1

What are the three main manufacturing categories of SAW flux based on production method?

Accepted Answer

Fused, bonded, and agglomerated

Answer

SAW fluxes are classified by manufacturing method as fused (melted and re-solidified), bonded (mixed with a binder and dried), and agglomerated (bonded at low temperature, allowing alloying additions).

Question 2

What is the primary advantage of agglomerated (bonded) SAW flux compared to fused flux?

Accepted Answer

Alloying elements and deoxidizers can be incorporated into the flux

Answer

Agglomerated flux is manufactured at low temperatures that preserve reactive alloying additions, allowing weld deposit chemistry to be adjusted through the flux itself.

Question 3

According to AWS A5.17, what does the 'K' suffix in the wire classification 'EM12K' indicate?

Accepted Answer

Killed steel (fine-grain, aluminum-deoxidized)

Answer

In AWS A5.17, the 'K' suffix designates a killed steel electrode, meaning it is fine-grain, aluminum-deoxidized, which improves toughness and consistency of the weld deposit.

Question 4

What is the recommended practice for storing opened bags of SAW flux to prevent moisture-related weld defects?

Accepted Answer

Store in heated ovens at 250–300°F (120–150°C) until use

Answer

Opened SAW flux must be kept in heated storage ovens at 250–300°F to drive off moisture; absorbed moisture causes porosity and can introduce hydrogen leading to underbead cracking.

Question 5

A 'neutral flux' in SAW welding is best defined as one that:

Accepted Answer

Does not significantly change weld metal Mn or Si content as arc voltage varies

Answer

A neutral flux maintains consistent weld metal manganese and silicon chemistry regardless of voltage changes, making weld chemistry predictable and stable across a range of parameters.

(SAW) Submerged Arc Welding Certification Practice Test

(SAW) Submerged Arc Welding Certification Practice Test

SAW Flux Types & Wire Selection